In artistic swimming, music does more than just accompany a routine it shapes it. It sets the tempo, builds the atmosphere, and creates the emotional thread that connects choreography to the audience. Choosing the right track isn’t a last-minute decision; it’s a strategic part of the overall performance planning.
Behind the Scenes: Building the Soundtrack
The process of finding the right music is often a collaboration between coaches and athletes. It usually starts with identifying a concept or theme that aligns with the team’s strengths and vision for the season. Sometimes a track sparks the idea; other times, the theme leads the search. Either way, the goal is to find something that does more than just sound good, it also needs to support the movements in the water.
Music plays a critical role in shaping the routine, it needs to highlight key elements, support the physical effort required, and create space for athletes to recover during demanding sections. Well-placed musical accents aren’t just helpful for timing; they’re essential for the scoring of Artistic Impression, where judges are looking for precision, expression, and connection to the music.
What Makes Music “Routine-Ready”?
Coaches and athletes listen for specific elements when selecting or editing music for routines:
Clear beats: Strong rhythms help athletes stay in sync.
Musical contrast: Highs and lows in the track help shape a routine’s flow and intensity.
Space for expression: Emotion and character need room to come through and express the theme.
Technical compatibility: The structure of the music should match key elements like lifts, hybrids, or arm movements.
Audience connection: Engaging music keeps the crowd (and judges) captivated.
Editing is also a major part of the music selection process. Rather than using a single track from start to finish, coaches often piece together multiple cuts of sometimes different songs, or different sections of the same one to create a custom soundtrack. The final mix is carefully structured to support both the artistic theme and the technical flow of the routine.
Lyrics or No Lyrics?
This one’s still debated. Music with lyrics can be powerful, especially in solos or duets where storytelling is more direct. But in team routines, lyrics can sometimes clash with visual complexity or pull focus. That’s why many top teams still prefer instrumental or cinematic tracks, though there's room for creativity with routine types becoming more flexible.
Global Trends and Standout Styles
At recent international events, we’ve seen a huge range of music styles: film scores, classical reworks, electronic remixes, cultural tracks, and even jazz. Some teams reflect their national identity through their choices, while others go bold with unexpected soundscapes. The key is originality, using music to define the performance and create something memorable.
Examples in Action this Season
USA – “Sorceresses” Theme
Team USA built a dark, dramatic atmosphere with cinematic music featuring sharp accents and sweeping builds. It brought out the mystical theme while supporting key lifts and intricate movements. Watch the routine here
Italy – “Chicago” Theme
Italy leaned into a theatrical, jazz-inspired vibe with music from the musical Chicago. The track’s energy matched their sharp, character-driven choreography and gave the routine real showstopping presence. Watch the routine here
Spain – “Insanity” Theme
Spain took a bold approach with a dissonant, high-intensity soundtrack reflecting psychological tension. It was fast, complex, and emotionally charged, a clear example of music driving both expression and structure. Watch the routine here
Music isn’t just in the background for artistic swimming, it’s central to how routines are built, performed, and remembered. The best soundtracks don’t just accompany movement; they amplify it, challenge it, and elevate it. When done right, the music becomes part of the routine’s identity something that lingers long after the competition ends.
Stay tuned, literally for more artistry, rhythm, and unforgettable sound as the world’s best take the stage at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore.